A REASONABLY satisfactory season for Falkirk ended on a disappointing note at Rugby Park on Saturday as the Bairns lost 2-1 to Kilmarnock in a performance which left manager John Hughes questioning the character of some of his players.
"Even although that was the last game of the season, I learnt a bit about some of the players today," said Yogi afterwards.
"There just wasn't enough bottle being shown and maybe that's why we didn't make the top six. You need winners in your te
am and winners wouldn't have accepted that display."
"Its all very well saying that there are a number of young players in the team but no matter when you play or where you play you have to show pride and character and you have to stand up to it. That wasn't happening today and that's why I've had to bring some experienced players to the club."
Falkirk, who were already guaranteed seventh place in the SPL table, began promisingly, taking the lead with a superbly struck 25-yard effort from Portuguese striker Pedro Moutinho after only ten minutes. But Kilmarnock quickly reclaimed the initiative and, after Paul Dalglish had missed two excellent chances, Mehdi Tahouil equalised for the Ayrshire side 15 minutes later.
Veteran midfielder Russell Latapy was introduced as Falkirk attempted to find a winner but Killie were well on top throughout the second half and deservedly took all three points when substitute Paul di Giacomo headed home the winner ten minutes from the end.
"We played some nice football in bits and pieces," continued Hughes, "but we were too slow at times and Kilmarnock deserved to win the game.
"I'm disappointed with today's result but overall it's been a good season and the players must take a lot of credit for the progress which has been achieved."
Killie boss Jim Jefferies, meanwhile, claimed the return to form of Spanish striker David Fernandez offers him hope for next season.
"The plus for us in the last three or four weeks has been David Fernandez," he said.
"He looks back to his sharpest. He was never the quickest but he was always sharp and his hold-up play and use of his body was great against Falkirk.
"If he stays injury free and gets another pre-season under his belt, he might just be the difference between us being where we are and being up there challenging.
"Hopefully, this has been a one-off season.
"We all start with zero points next season and I think the disappointments of this season will act as a spur."
The full article contains 441 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
